Ios packs a punch when it comes to beaches, each one telling its own story.

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Mylopotas stands out as the life of the party, its sands buzzing with beach clubs and sun-seekers from around the globe. Venture further and you’ll find the island’s quieter side: Manganari and Agia Theodoti offer a breather with their crystal waters and laid-back vibe. Want to play explorer? Head to secluded Kalamos or windswept Psathi. Families flock to Koumbara’s gentle shores, while Gialos welcomes visitors right off the ferry. Ios’ beaches aren’t just about sand and sea – they’re snapshots of island life, each inviting you to dip your toes into a different Cycladic experience.

Discover our list of favorites in this guide.

Mylopotas

The beach is formed by an impressive horseshoe shaped bay. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades and has been awarded the Blue Flag. The combination of the sea in all shades of green and blue and the golden sand makes Mylopotas particularly photogenic – especially when viewed from above. Millions of photos and videos are posted every summer by thousands of mostly young visitors from all over the world who flock to the island’s most fun beach, famous for its wild all-day clubbing. The dancing and partying goes on until late in the evening, before the crowds head off to the clubs in Hora.

Over the years it has grown into a small settlement, consisting mainly of houses and apartments for rent, a hotel, campsites, ethnic restaurants, traditional tavernas, cafés and a shop. The beach bars of Mylopotas are considered to be the best on the island. The beach service is top notch with sun beds and comfortable loungers where everything is served from coffee, dishes from various world cuisines, cocktails, and drinks. There are water sports and diving facilities, and boats of all types can be rented. Tour boats also depart from here to less crowded beaches such as Tripiti, Pikri Nero, Klima, Manousou and Sapounochoma. In June, Mylopotas hosts the Panhellenic Beach Volleyball Championship IOS Major. It is only two kilometers from Hora, so many visitors walk there.

Manganari

This beautiful bay on the southern side of Ios is the second most popular beach after Mylopotas, with a scenery of successive bays of powdery blond sand and crystal clear turquoise water. There are umbrellas and sun loungers, beach bars, restaurants and small hotels along the shore. It’s worth bringing a mask to explore the underwater world. Manganari is located at 19 kilometers from Hora.

Koumbara

A famous beach near Hora, with sandy / pebble beach and beautiful waters, is protected by two narrow peninsulas. Koumbara has been awarded the Blue Flag since 2003 and has good facilities such as beach clubs, restaurants and hotels. It’s worth staying late to enjoy the sunset. There are also some smaller beaches and coves in the vicinity. The distance from Hora to Koumbara is four kilometers.

Gialos

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Tripiti / Armandos Kyriakis
Gialos / Shutterstock

A long beach next to the port of Ios. It runs parallel to the asphalt road and has calm, shallow waters. Part of the beach is organized, but you will also find tamarisk trees for shade if you prefer to bring your own beach gear. There is a beach bar in operation here, and there are also facilities for water sports. Small hotels line the shore, and cafes and restaurants can be found at the port.

Tzamaria

The next small beach after Gialos, overlooking the entire harbor. It has sand and is suitable for families.

Kalamos

A sandy beach with crystal clear water in all shades of blue, where a stream flows until spring. The seabed is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Close to Kalamos are the secluded beaches of Plakes and Papa. It’s not organized, so you’ll need your own umbrella and towel. The beach is located on the eastern side of the island, 16 kilometers away from Hora.

Agia Theodoti

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Tzamaria / Shutterstock
Agia Theodoti / Armandos Kyriakis

A bay with golden sand and deep blue water, 10 km from Hora. The sea is shallow, making this beach ideal for families. There is an organized section and tamarisk trees provide shade. As you walk down, you’ll see the beautiful church of Agia Theodoti on your left. It’s worth stopping at, as it’s the oldest church in Ios, believed to have been built in the 16th century on the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo. Just across the road from the church are the remains of a Hellenistic tower and the remains of an ancient aqueduct. The distance from Hora is 9.5 km.

Psathi

A big sandy beach with wonderful waters and small bays around. There are a few umbrellas and sunbeds and a tavern. When it’s windy, Psathi is ideal for windsurfing. It is accessed by an asphalt road and is located almost in the middle of the eastern coast, in an area of orchards. It is 17 km from Hora.

Lorentza

This small beach is hidden in a rocky cove on the western coast. It is sandy with turquoise waters and is accessible by road. There are no facilities, so bring your own food and beach equipment with you. We recommend staying until late to enjoy the sunset. It is 6 km from Hora.